Expert in Rural Retiree Economic Development to Speak at Columbia SC Retirement Conference

Sept. 21, 2010 - PRLog -- Dr. John Cromartie, a leading expert in rural economic development through retiree attraction, will discuss how small towns and regions can attract retiree wealth and spending at the National Active Retirement Community (NARA) 11th Annual Business Conference in Columbia, SC October 20-22 (www.retirementlivingnews.com).

Cromartie, a Senior Demographer at the Economic Research Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture in Washington, DC, will share information and insights he gained in co-authoring an extensive report, “Baby Boom Migration and Its Impact on Rural America.” Cromartie holds a Ph.D. from UNC Chapel Hill and has been a researcher at USDA since 1990. He serves as a consultant to numerous government agencies and is a visiting lecturer at George Washington University.

Entitled the “Power Tools” NARA conference, this three-day event will bring together top national and international professionals involved in building for, marketing to and serving people aged 55+ at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

Professionals, academicians, real estate developers, marketers, salespeople, city/town representatives and other business professionals seeking to capitalize on the unprecedented aging of America will attend. NARA topics range from internet marketing, building and marketing to strategies to attract retirees to towns, regions and states. Speakers will also offer advice on how to successfully design, build and market 55+ housing, as well as market 55+ targeted products and services.

“Cities, towns, regions and even states are seeking the wealth and spending that transplanted retirees bring if you can attract them. That’s why states like Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi have funded programs to help their small towns market to 55+ retirees,” said NARA Director Dan Owens. “With an American turning 50 every six seconds, the opportunities to attract those who choose to move can really boost the economy of a town, city or community.

“With over 70 percent of all financial assets held by people over 50, older folks play a large role in the economy,” added Owens.

The Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board is the host organization and a Diamond Level sponsor. Other sponsors include the Go Texan state retiree attraction program and the Erickson School of Aging at the University of Maryland. All NARA sessions will be held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

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The National Active Retirement Association (NARA) is a 10-year old, grassroots trade organization that organizes and helps marketers, builders and professionals, businesses and organizations that provide products, housing and services to people age 55+.